Cockapoo vs Labradoodle: a compact spaniel cross next to a larger retriever cross

Both are popular Poodle crosses prized for a sociable temperament and a coat that sheds less than their non Poodle parent, but size is the clearest dividing line. The Cockapoo stays small enough for most apartments, while the Labradoodle grows into a substantially larger dog that needs real space and a bigger daily exercise budget.

Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this

	Cockapoo	Labradoodle
Weight	5 to 11 kg	17 to 32 kg
Height	26 to 40 cm	50 to 62 cm
Life expectancy	12 to 15 years	12 to 15 years
Daily exercise	90 to 120 min	90 to 120 min
Energy	4 / 5	4 / 5
Easy to train	4 / 5	4 / 5
Shedding	2 / 5	2 / 5
Good with children	5 / 5	5 / 5
Apartment friendly	4 / 5	2 / 5

Size and coat

The Cockapoo weighs 5 to 11 kg (11 to 24 lb) and stands 26 to 40 cm (10 to 16 in), with a coat that ranges from loose ringlets to a softer wavy fleece, generally low shedding but prone to matting without regular care.

The Labradoodle is considerably bigger, 17 to 32 kg (37 to 70 lb) and 50 to 62 cm (20 to 24 in), with coat type varying by generation, from a flat shedding coat closer to the Labrador side to a wavy fleece or tight curly wool that sheds very little.

Grooming

Both breeds need brushing several times a week and a professional trim every six to eight weeks to prevent matting, with the exact schedule depending on how curly the individual dog's coat turns out.

The Labradoodle's larger size means more coat to manage overall, so grooming sessions simply take longer even when the underlying routine is similar to the Cockapoo's. Ear cleaning matters for both breeds too, since floppy ears inherited from the spaniel and retriever sides can trap moisture and lead to infections if left unchecked.

Temperament and energy

Cockapoos are playful and people focused, scoring high for friendliness with children, strangers and other dogs, and their moderate size makes them adaptable to a wide range of households.

Labradoodles are similarly friendly, often scoring at the very top for sociability, and their larger size and higher energy level suit an active household that wants a bigger dog with the same eager, biddable temperament.

Exercise needs

Cockapoos need about 45 minutes of daily exercise split across a couple of walks and some play, manageable for most schedules and living situations.

Labradoodles need closer to 60 minutes of more vigorous activity, drawing on the Labrador's retrieving stamina, and tend to do best with access to a yard or regular off lead running space.

Health and lifespan

Cockapoos live 12 to 15 years, and because they are a cross, individual health varies with the parent lines, though ear infections are common given the floppy ears inherited from the Cocker Spaniel side.

Labradoodles also live 12 to 15 years, with hip dysplasia and some eye conditions worth asking a breeder about, since these are known risks in both the Labrador Retriever and Poodle parent breeds.

Cost and daily practicalities

Food and general upkeep costs are noticeably lower for the Cockapoo given its smaller size, while the Labradoodle's larger frame means higher food bills, bigger bedding and a sturdier crate.

Both breeds do well in a household with children and other pets, but the Labradoodle's size and enthusiasm mean supervision matters more during play with very young kids or smaller animals. Both breeds also share a similar expected lifespan of 12 to 15 years, so longevity is not typically a deciding factor between them.

Choose the Cockapoo if

Wants a smaller dog better suited to apartment living
Prefers a lower daily exercise commitment
Comfortable managing floppy ear cleaning to prevent infections
Fine with a slightly shorter grooming session given the smaller coat area
Interested in the breed's spaniel heritage and moderate energy

Choose the Labradoodle if

Wants a larger, sturdier family dog
Ready to commit to 60 minutes or more of daily exercise
Prefers access to a yard or regular off lead running space
Comfortable with more coat to manage during grooming sessions
Drawn to the Labrador Retriever's easygoing, biddable nature

Which is bigger, the Cockapoo or the Labradoodle?

The Labradoodle is significantly bigger, often two to three times the weight of a Cockapoo and standing considerably taller at the shoulder. This size difference is the single biggest factor in choosing between the two breeds.

Do Cockapoos or Labradoodles shed less?

Both breeds generally shed less than their non Poodle parent, though shedding varies with the individual coat type inherited. Curlier coated dogs of either breed shed the least, while flatter coated individuals shed more noticeably.

Which breed is easier for a first time owner, the Cockapoo or the Labradoodle?

The Cockapoo is often considered slightly easier for a first time owner because of its smaller size and more manageable exercise needs. The Labradoodle is equally friendly and trainable but needs an owner ready for a bigger, more physically demanding dog.

Are Cockapoos or Labradoodles good with children?

Both breeds score very highly for friendliness with children and are popular family choices for exactly that reason. The Labradoodle's larger size means supervision matters more with very young children during play, simply because of its greater strength and enthusiasm.